Former Grand Forks Mayor Pat Owens has died at the age of 83, with her death confirmed by multiple sources. The specific cause of her death has not been disclosed.
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Born in 1941 in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Pat Owens had a remarkable career in public service. She began her tenure as the mayor’s executive assistant, a role she held for 33 years, before stepping into the political spotlight herself. In 1996, Owens made history by becoming Grand Forks’ first female mayor after securing an impressive 76% of the vote.
Owens’ tenure as mayor was particularly notable for her leadership during the catastrophic floods that ravaged Grand Forks and East Grand Forks in 1997. The floods caused damages exceeding $3.5 billion, and Owens’ proactive efforts to secure federal aid and advocate for a permanent flood protection system were instrumental in the city’s recovery. Her advocacy included direct appeals to then-President Bill Clinton for support.
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Owens served as mayor until 2000, when she was succeeded by Michael Brown. After retiring from her political career, Owens relocated to Ocala, Florida, in 2001. That same year, she was honored with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of North Dakota.
Her commitment to public service did not end with her retirement.
In 2004, Owens was asked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to act as an ambassador to provide hope to victims of a series of hurricanes that struck Florida. Unfortunately, her retirement community was also affected by these hurricanes, limiting her ability to fulfill this role.
Current Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski expressed heartfelt condolences and recognition of Owens’ impact on the city. “It is safe to say that Grand Forks would not be the City it is today without the work of Pat Owens,” Bochenski remarked, underscoring her lasting legacy in the community.
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